The South Sydney Rabbitohs and Jai Arrow have received support from the NRL and the Rugby League Players' Association for him to ‘play’ two further NRL matches this year, meaning Jai will record 100 NRL games for the Rabbitohs in his career.
Jai will suit up for, and take part in, the opening seconds of Souths' Round 26 match against his former club Gold Coast at Cbus Super Stadium, and in the Round 27 home match against the Roosters at Allianz Stadium, allowing him to register two more NRL games, taking his tally for South Sydney to 100 matches.
The Rabbitohs put a proposal to the NRL, the RLPA and the Club Consultation Committee for Jai to ‘play’ in two more games following his Motor Neurone Disease diagnosis while he is still physically able to run or walk onto the field, allowing him to receive the recognition he deserves as a stalwart of the South Sydney club and as a valuable player to the NRL and representative football over the past decade.
"The game of rugby league is so much more than what happens on the field. At times it is the conduit to bring out the best of humanity. This thoughtful gesture by the South Sydney Rabbitohs shows the true heart of our game," said ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys AM.
“Jai has inspired millions of people around the world with the courage and strength he has shown in his fight with MND. He is not only a great player, but an extraordinary person.
“Reaching 100 games for the Rabbitohs is a special achievement one that Jai, his family and everyone who has supported him should be incredibly proud of. The entire rugby league community stands with Jai and is honoured to celebrate this remarkable milestone with him.”
Arrow has played 178 NRL matches, 98 of which have been for the Rabbitohs since he joined the club for the 2021 season.
He previously played for the Broncos (2016-17) and the Titans (2018-20). He has not been able to reach the milestone of 100 NRL games for any of his clubs until now.
Of the more than 1200 players to have represented South Sydney in first grade since 1908, only 66 players in South Sydney’s 118-year history have played 100 first grade games for the club.
This one-off initiative will see Arrow join an exclusive group at the Rabbitohs as the 67th player to achieve the milestone, alongside players such as Clive Churchill, Ron Coote, John Sattler, Bob McCarthy, Eric Simms, George Piggins, Mario Fenech, Greg Inglis, John Sutton, Cameron Murray, Alex Johnston and Cody Walker.
Jai Arrow gets birthday surprise from The Wiggles and the PM
Jai will dress into South Sydney playing kit for the two NRL game days in the Rabbitohs dressing room, lead the Rabbitohs team out onto the field of play, be the team’s first interchange of the match within the first few seconds after the opening whistle without taking part in any play during the game, and be able to sit on the interchange bench for the remainder of the game in his playing kit.
The NRL has approved one-off rule changes which will allow the Rabbitohs to have an additional player for team lists and interchanges, that player being Jai Arrow.
“We are very grateful to Peter and the NRL, and Clint at the RLPA, for supporting our proposal, as well as for receiving the support for this from our opposition clubs in the Titans and Roosters, for Jai’s participation in these two games," said Rabbitohs CEO Blake Solly.
“We believe this will provide great inspiration for everyone watching the game from the stadium or at home, showing that MND will not hold Jai, or anyone else, back from achieving what they want to achieve in life.
“This initiative will also help to raise awareness and funds for Jai and his fight with MND and afford him the honour of playing 100 first-grade games for the South Sydney Rabbitohs, something only a select few players have achieved in their careers, and give him due recognition for the efforts he has made for South Sydney and the sport over the past decade.
“For Jai to be able to add these games to his tally against his former club, and at a game which we believe will be close-to, if not sold-out at Allianz Stadium, will be a fitting tribute to a player that has given his all to the Rabbitohs, Titans, Broncos and Queensland throughout his playing career.
“His fight against MND has already been inspirational, and we can’t wait to welcome Jai back onto the field for two more games to inspire everyone connected with Rugby League and in society in general.”
CEO of the RLPA, Clint Newton, said: “South Sydney, led by Blake and Wayne, deserve a lot of credit for thinking about Jai and finding a special way to show their support for his difficult and unprecedented circumstance.
Rugby league stands as one in support of Jai Arrow
"It speaks to how highly regarded Jai is by the people around him and the strength of the rugby league community when one of our own needs our love and support.
“It’s devastating for Jai and the Arrow family, and I haven’t experienced a circumstance like this in my time in the game. Jai is a great person. It’s been incredible to see the rugby league community and broader sporting community get behind him and his family in such extraordinary ways of late."
To donate to the Stand With Jai campaign via the Family of League, please visit Family of Leage – Stand with Jai.
